Modular building structure with horizontal vierendeel truss

ABSTRACT

A modular building structure includes a corridor frame comprising a plurality of coextensive Vierendeel trusses having at least one common compression chord and at least one common tension chord; and at least one module having a rigid, threedimensional perimeter framework which defines a space therewithin. The module is rigidly but removably affixed to the corridor frame at a chord thereof.

[ June 25, 1974 United States Patent [191 Schramm 3,388,512 6/1968 Newman........................... 52/236 X 3,455,075 7/1969 Frey...... 52/236 MODULAR BUILDING STRUCTURE WITH HORIZONTAL VIERENDEEL TRUSS [76] Inventor:

g gg z' agz gf h gg Orchard Primary ExaminerAlfred C. Perham l Attorney, Agent, or FirmGordon W. l-lueschen; Tali- Jan. 19, 1970 valdis Cepuritis [22] Filed:

21 App]. No.: 3,850

ABSTRACT A modular building structure includes a corridor frame comprising a plurality of coextensive Vierendeel trusses having at least one common compression 2 B6 00 5 ,%4 3 6 7 /E 2 5 2 9 9 H m7 & 3 .m7 ""2 WW mmh v c ".r ma L hf. C el e Umh 1:1] 2 8 555 [[l.

chord and at least one common tension chord; and at References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS The module is rigidly but removably affixed to the corridor frame at a chord thereof.

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ATTORNEY MODULAR BUILDING STRUCTURE WITH HORIZONTAL VIERENDEEL TRUSS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Apartment and office buildings are usually individually designed and are constructed by erecting a framework of horizontal and vertical columns on a chosen building site and then applying exterior and interior walls to the erected framework. Such construction is expensive and time consuming.

Recently attempts have been made in the art to provide prefabricated building structures which are at least partially fabricated at a central location and then transported and assembled at the building site. While substantial economies are realized in this manner, the heretofore available prefabricated building structures are relatively limited in their applications and are not susceptible to easy modification to provide the desired size and utility, particularly with changing needs once the structure has been erected.

In view of the limitations and deficiencies of heretofore available prefabricated building structures a need exists for highly versatile structures which are capable of many uses and modifications throughout the useful life of the structure and which can be readily prefabricated and assembled in sections or modules prior to erection on a building site.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a modular building structure which satisfies the existing needs for highly versatile building structures without the aforementioned deficiencies and limitations. Still other objects will readily present themselves to one skilled in the art upon reference to the ensuing specification, the drawings, and the claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention contemplates a modular building structure made up of a corridor frame comprising a plurality of coextensive Vierendeel trusses having at least one common compression chord and at least one common tension chord, and at least one module having a rigid, three-dimensional perimeter framework defining a space therewithin rigidly but removably affixed to the corridor frame at a chord thereof. The corridor frame can be situated either horizontally or vertically.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a horizontal building structure of this invention partially broken away to show detail;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the framework of a module;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a part of the corridor frame with one module attached thereto;

FIG. 4 is a sectional elevation taken along lines lVlV of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of a portion of the sectional elevation of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a prespective view of an embodiment of this invention showing a portion of a vertical corridor frame with a plurality of modules attached thereto.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIG. 1, corridor frames 10 and 11 are supported on pedestals 12, 13, and 14. Corridor frame 10 comprises a pair of Vierendeel trusses and 71 having a common compression chord 15, a common tension chord l6, and columns 17 and 17a, respectively, together defining a plurality of bays. Similarly corridor frame 11 comprises a pair of Vierendeel trusses 72 and 73 having a common compression chord 18, a common tension chord 19, and columns 20 and 20a, respectively. A plurality of modules 21 is attached to each corridor frame. Each module 21 forms a separate dwelling unit or a component of such a unit which is attached to the corridor frame at a chord or chords thereof and which communicates with the corridor frame through a bay thereof or through an adjacent module which in turn communicates with the corridor frame through a bay thereof. A service tower 22 is situated adjacent to corridor frames 10 and 11 and houses the necessary vertical transportation (elevators), heating and ventilating units, and the like. Access to corridor frames 10 and 11 from the ground level is provided by stairway 23.

FIG. 2 shows the perimeter framework of an individual, self-supporting module and comprises upper beams 24, 25, 26 and 27, lower beams 28, 29, 30 and 31 and columns 32, 33, 34 and 35 which together form a rigid, three-dimensional framework of a rectangular parallelepiped, one side of which is removably attached to a chord or chords of corridor frame 36 in any convenient manner such as by means of bolts 46 or 47, or the like, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. Bolts such as 47 pass through channel 75 which surrounds corridor frame 11 and are threadedly received into reinforced portions 76 of module 37 through holes 77 and 78. Thus each module so attached imposes a load directly upon corridor frame 36. The space defined by module 37 is enclosed by suitable panels such as lower panel 38, upper panel 39, and side panel 40. Other prefabricated subunits such as a closet 41, or the like, can also be supported by the perimeter framework and panels of module 37.

If desired, prior to installation each module can be prefabricated as a self-sustaining unit complete with service elements such as plumbing, wiring, heating ducts, and the like, which are adapted to be connected to the appropriate service facilities in the corridor frame as hereinafter set forth in more detail.

The individual modules may be fabricated in a wide variety of sizes, regular or irregular in form, for example semicylindrical, triangular, hexagonal, or the like, as long as each individual module is provided with a rigid, three-dimensional perimeter framework and one side of which is a rectangular grid adapted for connecting to a chord of the Vierendeel trusses defining the corridor frame.

The individual modules can be attached in any desired pattern, space permitting. As shown in FIG. 4, modules 21 can substantially surround corridor frame 11. A dwelling unit may commence with a single module and, as the need for space increases, additional modules can be attached to corridor frame 11 in the desired configuration to form a larger single level or multi-level dwelling unit. Alternately, a multi-module dwelling unit can be reduced in size by simply detaching excess modules. A still further advantage of the present invention resides in the ability to replace old or run down modules in need of refurbishing with new ones as the need arises without materially disturbing the remaining building structure. This latter feature is particularly advantageous when the entire structure is used as a mobile home park with each individual tennant either renting or owning one or more suitably outfitted modules which can be transported about as desired.

Service conduits 42, 43, 44 and 45 for plumbing and wiring (FIGS. 4 and 5) are provided along the longitudinal edges of corridor frame 11 so as to provide ready access thereto through suitable connections for each individual module and also permitting the removal of each module without disturbing others adjacent thereto.

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6 where triangular modules such as module 48 having a rigid perimeter framework comprising upper beams 49, 50, and 51, lower beams 52, 53, and 54, and columns 55, 56, and 57 is attached to chords 58 and 59 comprising respectively columns 60 and 61 rigidly joined together by connecting beams 62, and columns 63 and 64 rigidly joined together by connecting beams 65. In this particular embodiment the corndor frame 74 comprises three vertically disposed Viere'ndeel trusses 66, 67, and 68 of which trusses 66 and 67 have a common chord 58, trusses 67 and 68 have a common chord 59, and trusses 66 and 68 have a common chord 69. The trusses 66, 67, and 68 are coextensive and are situated so that the planes of all adjacent trusses intersect at the same angle. Whether a particular Vierendeel truss is in tension or in compression depends on the loading thereon. The windward columns of the vertical corridor frame 74, for instance, will be in tension and the leeward columns will be in compression.

The foregoing discussion and the drawings are illustrative of the general principles and the preferred embodiments of this invention. Still other variations within the spirit and scope of the present invention will readily present themselves to the skilled artisan.

I claim:

1. A modular building structure including a corridor frame comprising a plurality of coextensive horizontal Vierendeel trusses having at least one common compression chord and at least one common tension chord; and at least one module having a rigid, threedimensional perimeter framework defining a space therewithin rigidly but removably affixed to said corridor frame at a chord thereof.

2. The structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein a pair of Vierendeel trusses are spaced and parallel relative to each other.

3. The structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one side of said module is a rectangular grid.

4. The structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein said module is a rectangular parallelepiped.

5. The structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein a plurality of modules is afi'ixed on said corridor frame.

6. The structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein a plurality of corridor frames are provided with communicating passageways and wherein a plurality of modules is affixed on each one of said corridor frames. 

1. A modular building structure including a corridor frame comprising a plurality of coextensive horizontal Vierendeel trusses having at least one common compression chord and at least one common tension chord; and at least one module having a rigid, three-dimensional perimeter framework defining a space therewithin rigidly but removably affixed to said corridor frame at a chord thereof.
 2. The structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein a pair of Vierendeel trusses are spaced and parallel relative to each other.
 3. The structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least one side of said module is a rectangular grid.
 4. The structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein said module is a rectangular parallelepiped.
 5. The structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein a plurality of modules is affixed on said corridor frame.
 6. The structure in accordance with claim 1 wherein a plurality of corridor frames are provided with communicating passageways and wherein a plurality of modules is affixed on each one of said corridor frames. 